Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition that affects the heart muscle. In many people, symptoms may be mild, gradual, or mistaken for other common conditions, which can delay recognition.
Although precise national data is limited, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is estimated to affect 1 in 500 people worldwide.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition affecting the heart muscle that may remain unrecognized or undiagnosed in some individuals.¹¹ Some people with HCM may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fainting, while others may have no noticeable symptoms.
Because symptoms can vary and may resemble those of other conditions, recognition and diagnosis can sometimes take time.
This campaign aims to provide evidence-based educational information about HCM, helping individuals better understand the condition and supporting informed discussions with qualified healthcare professionals when appropriate.
Are you experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or unexplained fatigue?
These questions are a starting point for a conversation — not a diagnosis. If something resonates, it may be worth raising with your cardiologist.
Symptoms of HCM can vary significantly from person to person. Some people may experience noticeable symptoms, while others may have few or none.
These are some of the symptoms that may be associated with HCM. This list may not be complete.²,¹⁰
particularly during physical activity or exertion.
which may occur during exercise or physical stress.
especially when standing or exerting effort.
Fainting or near-fainting episodes.
feeling unusually tired during daily activities.
An awareness of rapid, fluttering, or irregular heartbeats.
HCM can affect people in different ways. For some people, symptoms come and go, and for others, symptoms can go on for a long time.⁴
Some may not experience symptoms right away or even at all, yet the disease may continue to progress.⁴
Many people with HCM can lead active and fulfilling lives with appropriate medical care. Management plans are tailored to the individual and may change over time. Regular follow-up with healthcare professionals is important to monitor symptoms and heart function.
If you are diagnosed with HCM, discussing treatment options with a medical team is important, as there are ways to help manage the condition, such as:
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle which includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management.
Your doctor may prescribe medications to control symptoms, improve heart function, or prevent complications associated with HCM.
In some cases, surgical interventions may be recommended to reduce symptoms and improve heart function.
Regular appointments with your specialist healthcare team is crucial for monitoring your symptoms, assessing the progression of HCM, and adjusting your treatment plan as needed.
HCM is usually diagnosed through a combination of your medical history, a physical examination, and specific tests.
Your doctor may ask you to describe the symptoms you are experiencing and ask about your family history. It's important to mention any family members with heart issues or who have experienced similar symptoms. If your doctor suspects an underlying health condition, they may refer you to a specialist healthcare team.
This records the electrical activity of your heart, helping doctors see if there are any abnormalities in the heart's rate or rhythm.
This heart ultrasound is the primary test for diagnosing HCM. It uses sound waves to take pictures of your heart, helping doctors to check if it is working properly.
If an echo doesn't provide enough information, an MRI can offer a detailed image of the inside of your body. An MRI scan produces a detailed picture of the inside of your body using strong magnets and radio waves, helping doctors see things like muscles and organs.
In selected cases, when imaging tests show less thickening of the heart muscle walls, genetic testing may be done to check if HCM has been passed down to you by a family member.
Heart activity and symptoms are monitored while undergoing a controlled exercise regimen.
Talking to your doctor about unexplained symptoms can be tough, but it's the most important first step in seeking help.
During your appointment, clearly describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Keeping a symptom diary can help you remember important details. Also, make sure to share any relevant family history, especially if it involves genetic conditions like HCM.
After the diagnosis? Learn about living with HCM →
Whether you're looking to understand more about your symptoms or have recently been diagnosed with HCM, here are some helpful organisations and resources.
Living with a heart condition can raise questions and concerns for individuals and their families. Reliable information, medical guidance, and support from healthcare professionals can help people better understand and manage their condition.
If you're concerned about symptoms or have a family history of HCM, speak with your general practitioner. They can guide you toward the right cardiac evaluation or refer you to a cardiologist. Several hospital centres and clinics across Bulgaria offer heart screenings and second opinions.
The Bulgarian Society of Cardiology (Дружество на кардиолозите в България) supports cardiac professionals and provides public health information on cardiovascular disease.
bgcardio.org ↗A patient support foundation focused on heart health awareness and support for people living with cardiac conditions in Bulgaria.
The following questions are intended to provide information about symptoms that may be associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). They are designed to support awareness and personal reflection only.
It is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace a medical consultation. The results are intended to support awareness and guide conversations with healthcare professionals.
Please answer the following 6 questions based on your recent experiences. The symptoms below may occur in a variety of medical conditions and do not necessarily indicate HCM.
Question 1 of 6
The information provided through this questionnaire is intended to raise awareness of symptoms that may occur in various cardiovascular conditions, including HCM. If you have questions about your health or are experiencing symptoms that concern you, consider discussing them with a qualified healthcare professional, who can provide advice based on your individual circumstances.
If your responses raise concerns or if symptoms are affecting your daily life, speaking with your family doctor or a cardiologist can help clarify next steps. Healthcare professionals can provide guidance, arrange appropriate tests, and direct you to further information or support if needed.
This tool is for educational purposes only and does not provide a medical diagnosis.
